It started with a heartbreakingly small body clinging desperately to a blue zoo uniform. On July 26, 2025, when Punch's mother walked away within hours of his birth, senior zookeeper Kosuke Shikano knew something had to be done fast. What followed was a round-the-clock rescue mission that would capture the world's attention.
The First 48 Hours: Racing Against Time
Japanese macaque infants need to cling to their mothers almost constantly in those first weeks. It's not just about comfort—it builds muscle strength and provides the psychological security they need to develop properly. Without it, Punch was in serious trouble.
The zoo team didn't hesitate. Two caretakers per shift. Bottle feeding from the very next day. They tried rolled-up towels, then other stuffed animals, but nothing quite worked. Punch was still restless, still searching for something to hold onto.
The zoo team didn't hesitate. Two caretakers per shift. Bottle feeding from the very next day. They tried rolled-up towels, then other stuffed animals, but nothing quite worked. Punch was still restless, still searching for something to hold onto.
Kosuke Shikano: The Godfather Punch Needed
Kosuke Shikano became Punch's primary caretaker and, in many ways, his godfather. When Punch was born, Shikano immediately noticed that something was wrong. He tried to force mother and son together, but Punch kept getting pushed away.
That's when Shikano made the decision that would change everything. The team introduced the IKEA Djungelskog orangutan plushie. "It has longer fur with several easy places to grip, and honestly, its resemblance to a primate made it feel natural to Punch," Shikano explained. "He latched on immediately and hasn't let go since."
That's when Shikano made the decision that would change everything. The team introduced the IKEA Djungelskog orangutan plushie. "It has longer fur with several easy places to grip, and honestly, its resemblance to a primate made it feel natural to Punch," Shikano explained. "He latched on immediately and hasn't let go since."
Around-the-Clock Care: Two Keepers Per Shift
The care team at Ichikawa City Zoo implemented an intensive schedule for Punch's survival:
- Bottle feeding every few hours - Baby macaques need frequent nutrition
- Constant supervision - Two caretakers monitored him around the clock
- Muscle development support - Helping him build strength through natural clinging behaviors
- Socialization preparation - Getting him ready to eventually rejoin the troop
The Bond That Went Beyond Duty
Footage emerged of Punch clinging to Shikano's leg during feeding time, following the zookeeper around and refusing to let go. It wasn't just about food anymore—a genuine bond had formed.
Shikano wasn't just doing his job. He became the family Punch had lost. When asked about the emotional toll, Shikano admitted, "I will not pretend I did not have tears in my eyes" watching Punch struggle and then slowly succeed in making his first real friend among other monkeys.
Shikano wasn't just doing his job. He became the family Punch had lost. When asked about the emotional toll, Shikano admitted, "I will not pretend I did not have tears in my eyes" watching Punch struggle and then slowly succeed in making his first real friend among other monkeys.
Creative Solutions from Committed Caretakers
The zookeeping team showed remarkable creativity in solving Punch's unique challenges:
The IKEA Solution: They chose the Djungelskog orangutan specifically because its longer fur provided good grip points and its primate-like appearance felt natural to Punch.
Gradual Integration: When Punch joined the Monkey Mountain group of 60 macaques on January 19, 2026, the team managed a careful, step-by-step introduction process.
Peer Matching: They identified that Punch needed a companion closer to his own developmental stage, leading to the introduction of Shiro, a young male macaque who would become Punch's first true friend.
The IKEA Solution: They chose the Djungelskog orangutan specifically because its longer fur provided good grip points and its primate-like appearance felt natural to Punch.
Gradual Integration: When Punch joined the Monkey Mountain group of 60 macaques on January 19, 2026, the team managed a careful, step-by-step introduction process.
Peer Matching: They identified that Punch needed a companion closer to his own developmental stage, leading to the introduction of Shiro, a young male macaque who would become Punch's first true friend.
The Team Behind the Scenes
While Kosuke Shikano became the public face of Punch's care, he wasn't alone. The Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Gardens mobilized an entire team around Punch's wellbeing:
Takashi Yasunaga, head of the zoo, called Punch "very outgoing" and noted the baby macaque's mental strength despite the challenges. Multiple caretakers worked shifts to ensure 24/7 coverage. Veterinary staff monitored Punch's health and development. Behavioral specialists advised on socialization strategies.
This team effort transformed a tragedy into a global story of hope.
Takashi Yasunaga, head of the zoo, called Punch "very outgoing" and noted the baby macaque's mental strength despite the challenges. Multiple caretakers worked shifts to ensure 24/7 coverage. Veterinary staff monitored Punch's health and development. Behavioral specialists advised on socialization strategies.
This team effort transformed a tragedy into a global story of hope.
What Zookeepers Want People to Understand
Shikano has a message for everyone following Punch's story: "I want people to understand that abandonment is not the end of the story."
Punch never had the start he deserved. He lost his mother before he even had the chance to know her. But through the dedication of his zookeepers and his own resilience, he's building a new life.
"Resilience is not something you are given," Shikano reflected. "It is something you build, one small interaction at a time."
And to everyone who has sent messages of support? "Punch cannot read them, but we can. And on his behalf, we are truly grateful."
Punch never had the start he deserved. He lost his mother before he even had the chance to know her. But through the dedication of his zookeepers and his own resilience, he's building a new life.
"Resilience is not something you are given," Shikano reflected. "It is something you build, one small interaction at a time."
And to everyone who has sent messages of support? "Punch cannot read them, but we can. And on his behalf, we are truly grateful."
The zookeepers at Ichikawa City Zoo didn't just save a baby monkey's life—they gave the world a powerful story about resilience, dedication, and the bonds that form across species. Kosuke Shikano and his team showed up every single day for Punch, proving that sometimes family isn't just who you're born to, but who refuses to give up on you.